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Born of Fire (The League #2)

4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 · rating details · 7,133 ratings · 344 reviews

From the creator of the #1 bestselling Dark-Hunter novels - the spellbinding League series continues!

In a universe where assassins make the law, everyone lives in fear - except for Syn. Born of an illicit scandal that once rocked a dynasty, he always knew how to survive on the bloodthirsty streets. But that was then, and the future is now...

He takes no prisoners.

Syn was ra...more

Mass Market Paperback, 1st Edition, 540 pages

Published November 3rd 2009 by St. Martin's Paperback

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Jul 07, 2010 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of paranormal or sci-fi romance & tortured, lovable heroes

Shelves: scifi-futuristic-fantasy-misc-pnr, sherrilyn-kenyon-kinley-macgregor, series-league, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-addict-excon-lawtrouble-thief, hero-celibate-virgin-virginesque, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, 2010-reads, badasses-hunks-in-leather, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, hero-antihero-gamma, hero-alpha‎, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, i-read-no-longer-own-sold-swapped, made-me-cry, revenge-deception-secrets-lies, tattoos-piercings-body-art, hero-gigolo-prostitute-escort, doctor-or-nurse-in-the-house-shrink, assassin, 5-stars, hh-addiction-recovery-sobriety, hh-warrior, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, hh-smart-intellectual-brainy-geek, hero-bad-guy-ruthless-villainous, hero-uber-tortured-zsadist-esque

5 stars – Paranormal/Sci-Fi Romance

If there was ever a hero that I wanted to hold and gently rock in my arms while crooning a sweet lullaby or win a giant, plush teddy bear from playing one of those fair games for him, it’s Syn from Born of Fire. He’s one of the most tortured, anguished romantic heroes ever, having endured just about every kind of suffering, abuse, and cruelty imaginable, yet he’s somehow managed to harbor an intrinsic, unbreakable sense of goodness and tenderness that’s all the...more

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Nov 23, 2011 Carolyn F. added it

Shelves: sci-fi, audiobook-and-owned-book, romance

Okay, I hate Shahara. Syn doesn't hurt her when she comes to turn him in even though she shoots him, pays for her sister's hospital visit when they're about to throw her out, bails her other sister and brother out of jail numerous times, takes the rap for a sister, pays for the same sister's ship to be fixed after she was attacked - but then Shahara thinks he's a liar so he can't be trusted. She finds out from her sister that he's helped the family for years, but no matter what he says, she thin...more Okay, I hate Shahara. Syn doesn't hurt her when she comes to turn him in even though she shoots him, pays for her sister's hospital visit when they're about to throw her out, bails her other sister and brother out of jail numerous times, takes the rap for a sister, pays for the same sister's ship to be fixed after she was attacked - but then Shahara thinks he's a liar so he can't be trusted. She finds out from her sister that he's helped the family for years, but no matter what he says, she thinks he's a liar and can't be trusted. She turns him in after doing a blood vow which means a lot in her job title justifying it because of semantics and when she finds out he's been horribly tortured because of it, she thinks he's a liar and can't be trusted so she shouldn't feel too guilty. YOU'RE THE ONE THAT CAN'T BE TRUSTED! She has her head so far up her moralistic ass that if her sisters and brother stood in front of her with cancelled checks and videos, she'd think, "It could be true, but he's a criminal and so he's a liar. I'll turn him in again for more torture and eventual death because I can't lose my job. And he's a liar so he can't be trusted." I really, really, really hate Sahara.

About halfway through, this woman who is a bounty hunter, is deathly afraid of heights (fell out of a window when young), catacombs (because there are dead bodies there). Syn says he's never met a bounty hunter so afraid of everything and she tells him she hates him. Okay. There are torture guys on their tail and he asks her to trust him and she says absolutely not. WTF! This woman is unbelievable. I'm going to put her on my list of worse heroines ever.

Even at the end of the book I'm wondering why he would want her. She still told him she turned him in because of her job, even knowing he was going to be tortured and killed slowly.

Also, I think there was a screw-up because in the first book Syn and Shahara go to the hospital to see how Nyk is doing and they touch hands and say they were busy or something like that. He went straight to jail and only saw Shahara the one time at prison. When I was reading this book I was wondering where that scene went.

So in summation, I hate Shahara and love Syn.

Now about the narration, I think I would have liked him better if I hadn't listened to the first book where they talk about Nyx having an accent that was hard to place, well in this book I figured it out, Brooklyn accent. Not liking that at all. I think they should have kept the same narrator as the one from the first book. She did a much better job.(less)

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May 22, 2010 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of awesome, tortured heroes you want to love silly

Shelves: futuristic, paranormal-romance, part-of-a-series, favorite-or-autobuy-author, owned-copy, cleanup-challenge, abused, angsty-read, hero-to-die-for, kickbutt-heroine, criminal, wrongly-accused, space-another-planet, favorites, desert-island-keepers, tortured-hero, misunderstood, tormented-heroine, enemies-to-lovers, polymath-hero-or-heroine, nerd-prof-scientist-genius-geek, fugitive, action-adventure, imprisoned-ex-convict, science-fiction-romance, tough-as-nails-heroes, scary-sexy-cool-dangerous-hero

Review Disclaimer: Danielle is not actually insane. She is fully aware that Syn is not a real person. (What a shame!)

Syn, would you please marry me? I would hold you to my breast, and soothe you. I would wipe away the tears you will not allow yourself to cry, that is after I kick your ex-wife's butt all the way to the next galaxy for being such a piece of work not to realize what the precious jewel she had in you. I would kiss you every day, and make sure you understood just how much I adore you...more Review Disclaimer: Danielle is not actually insane. She is fully aware that Syn is not a real person. (What a shame!)

Syn, would you please marry me? I would hold you to my breast, and soothe you. I would wipe away the tears you will not allow yourself to cry, that is after I kick your ex-wife's butt all the way to the next galaxy for being such a piece of work not to realize what the precious jewel she had in you. I would kiss you every day, and make sure you understood just how much I adore you. I could care less that your father was a psycho and the worst person in all the nine worlds. Each person is accountable for his own actions. And your actions fully show what a wonderful man you are. Can you please tell your friend Nyk, that I am sorry? Our love affair is over, because you have stolen my heart away from him. He has Kiara, and I'm sure he will get over me, now that I have found you. I know that Shahara is your dearest love, but she cannot possibly love you like I do. There is no way!

Okay, the madness is over, I think. Now I can talk about how much I loved this book, and how Syn has changed my life.

I cannot believe that the stupid publishers did not want to publish this book. Were they insane? Clearly. This was a fantastic story. I thought I loved Born of Night, and I still do, but ah, Syn's story, I love even more.

Syn is one of the most awesome heroes ever written. Okay, you might dispute that, but this is my review, so if you are reading it, I attest this to be my truth. He is so tortured. I cannot believe what this poor man suffered. I wanted to slap every person who ever hurt him. I definitely wanted to go buy a pair of boots (since I don't own any except for work galoshes) and kick his ex-wife's butt so far out of the known galaxies that it would require a search party to find it. How can you hold a man's parentage against him? A man is judged for who he is individually, and Syn never let me down. I could see why he had the shell around his heart, so many times was it broken. And what he suffered, as a boy. Imagine putting a young boy through that. Hard to even conceive of. It's incredible what he accomplished, and that alone showed that he was far beyond what his father and mother were. I just wanted Syn to be happy. I wanted to love him to pieces as I read this story. I still do. There is so much I love about Syn!

Okay, Shahara. I did have a couple of moments that I wanted to slap the taste out of your mouth. But only a couple. You turned out to be a good heroine, although you had me frothing at the mouth initially. But, I could see your issues after what you suffered. You are definitely Ms. Kenyon's most tortured heroine. And, I must admit, you proved yourself to be a worthy match for Syn. The way you made his heart feel to know that someone really loved him....I'll tolerate you just for that. But, it was also pretty cool how you went to bat for Syn, more than once, in this story. And, you are a badass. I do love badass heroines. (pardon my French). You know how to take care of yourself and your man. And, you're a pretty good sister, too. I wish you well with my man Syn, since he's not real, and I can't be with him in real life. You better take very good care of him, because I'm watching you, very closely!

I predict I will have a new addiction, books set in space and on other worlds. If you know of some good ones, please recommend them. Only, they must have fantastic heroes to die for, buttkicking action, lots of angst, and wisecracking galore to make up for the moments that break your heart. I don't know if too many books will meet the high standard that this story has set for me. It's too scary to contemplate. Did I tell you how much I love Syn? There are no words Thumbs way up for this book.(less)

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Feb 23, 2010 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, must-have-hero, tortured-disfigured-hero, reviewed-2009

The second installment of The League was a great read and was actually even better than Born of Night, which I also thought was a 5-star read. The best part of the book was our hero, Syn, a man of mystery, intelligence, humor, charm and strength. Kenyon does a wonderful job developing this character. As tortured soul who was subjected to unspeakable acts of abuse, torture, betrayal and neglect, I really just want to hug (and kiss) Syn throughout the book. The heroine, Shahara was interesting eno...more

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Nov 16, 2009 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance, futuristic-romance

I enjoyed Born of Fire, but I have to agree with other reviews I've read and reviewers who had issues with the heroine. From the bits in the previous book (Born of Night) I expected Shahara to be totally kick-a$$, a smart and powerful bounty hunter, and while she does have moments, her character just isn't all that strong or smart for much of the middle of the story. As for leading man Syn, I am starting to see shades of Ash in all of Kenyon's big gorgeous males with tortured(literally) pasts, b...more

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Jul 16, 2010 Jacqueline rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Any and all- regardless of what genre you like, you're guaranteed to love this book.

Recommended to Jacqueline by: Fan of Kenyon for years- no need for a recommentation.

Shelves: author-sherrilyn-kenyon, series-the-league

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. My heart ACHES with how amazing this book was!

First thoughts: I LOVE the diversity of this story! Shahara's character is heart-breakingly rough, and Syn's past is tearful and bitter. The son of Idirian Wade (a SERIOUSLY evil infamous criminal) he is the quintessential heroic character; wrongfully accused of an atrocious crime (killing and raping Kiara), conquering an impossible past and maintaining his inner morality, loyal, and beyond guarded- and understandably so. Surviving an abusive and evi...more My heart ACHES with how amazing this book was!

First thoughts: I LOVE the diversity of this story! Shahara's character is heart-breakingly rough, and Syn's past is tearful and bitter. The son of Idirian Wade (a SERIOUSLY evil infamous criminal) he is the quintessential heroic character; wrongfully accused of an atrocious crime (killing and raping Kiara), conquering an impossible past and maintaining his inner morality, loyal, and beyond guarded- and understandably so. Surviving an abusive and evil father, a disloyal and abandoning mother, prison at ten, numerous rapes, the suicide of his sister, fidelity betrayal and cut of his first wife, loving a son who hates him who isn't even his son, and isolation in a universe that outcasts him. The sheer hell that Syn has lived through and overcome is so extreme, it's overwhelming! And yet, he maintains a beautiful soul. I absolutely LOVE Syn and ache for him CONSTANTLY throughout this book!

Shahara is the perfect match for Syn. She has suffered, while not nearly to the extent of Syn, still to a noticeable point. An absent father, the death of her mother, poverty, raising Talia, Caillen, and Kasen and sacrificing for them, and being raped herself. She is strong and SO admirable, and vigilante throughout the entire story of trying to do right. Even if that 'right' is blurred by whatever situation, her morality and strength is impressive! I truly adore her, too!

The plot rocked. Pure and simple. While basically an 'on-the-run, find-the-chip-that-will-save-us-all' in summation, it very much contained deeper levels than that. The emotional building of love and trust between Syn and Shahara was phenomenal, and the climax absolutely gorgeous! Her position of seax was so fascinating because, in effort to solve her sisters issue of hospital bills, she takes on the job of turning Syn in to the authorities in hopes of getting a big enough pay off to ensure her sister's well being...and the plot skyrockets from there. Not one dry point (OF COURSE- It is Kenyon after all :) ), expertly written!

If a gun were held to my head and I was FORCED to point to a favorite part, I'd have to fess up and admit the epilogue. Sad, of course, since it's the end of the story, but it was amazingly well done. Very short, but the emotional explosion of Shahara admitting she's pregnant was so epic and, well, just awesome! I loved it, and Sherri made it believable in readdressing the issue of Shahara's inability to have children as a result of her rape. Set two years after the final chapter, it was so nice in the timeline being believable, the fact that Sherri didn't just ignore a major emotional issue between Syn and her, and how well crafted and amazing it was!

Once again, as A.L.W.A.Y.S, another awesome, AWESOME book! Kenyon can't make 'em bad! I'm, without question, now a fan of not just her Dark-Hunter books, Lords of Avalon books, but now her League books as well!(less)

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Nov 16, 2009 Celeste rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal romance fans!

Shelves: sherrilyn-kenyon, paranormal, favorites

Really exceptional series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I can't believe these books are re-releases, I've never heard of them! But I am oh, so glad to have found them! This is the Sherrilyn Kenyon I know and love and can't wait to read the next installment. If you like paranormal romance SK style, you'll love this!

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Apr 10, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: futuristic, pararnormal-romance, the-league

Life has kicked Syn in the teeth from the day he was born. His father was brutal killer. His mother abandoned him and his sister, Talia. They were horribly abused. Talia escaped by suicide. Syn thought he could escape by turning in his father to police. But the system betrayed him, throwing him into prison at just 10 years old. He escaped, living on nothing but his wits and slowly built a life for himself. But he can't outrun his past. And he is constantly kicked down by the people he chooses to...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Rebecca ♥ Ash, Jem, Warner ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, romance, sci-fi, provincial-library, favourites, reviewed

This was just as good as Born of Night. It had everything the first did. Not nearly as much time was spent in space or in fighters, but way more time was spent in fire-fights, so they were equally action packed. And I love Vik!

In Born of Night I remember Syn saying that he had had a horrible childhood, but that Nykyrian's had been worse. We knew that Syn was the son of a horrible criminal, and we knew that his wife had left him when she found out, but we didnt know much else. Now that I know Syn...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Kelly-Jane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-haz-dis, hey-look-a-proper-heroine, warning-sex-scenes, this-makes-meh-happeh, high-levels-of-swoon

EDIT: Having just re-read this, I'm changing my rating to five stars. (I've been pretty free with my five star ratings recently. I'm a five-star slut.)

This will be a short-ass review with no explanations for anything. Just so you're aware.

OKEY DOKEY. I SHALL MAKE UP FOR IT WITH A SHITLOAD OF GIFS.

Characters

Syn
OH HAI, I LOVE YOU.

Shahara
OH MY GOD, A LEAGUE HEROINE WHO IS BADASS AND REMAINS BADASS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BOOK. LE GASP

Vik
D'aw, how could I not wuv you, you surly little mechbot?

Idirian...more

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Jun 20, 2010 Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of sci-fi romance

Shelves: paranormal, read-in-2010

I think this is a very good plot, the characters are very well drawn.

What I did not find believable was that at the end, when the hero comes to the realization that he is worthy to love and be loved, that he could overcome a lifetime of conditioning to do so. The author had written his character and explained his motivations for his baggage so well that for him to have a happy ending was out of character.

I found the heroine, however jaded, however streetwise, sometimes too stupid to be believed...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi-beam-me-up-scottie, highwaymen-pickpockets-thieves, hiding-or-on-the-run, pi-bounty-hunter-other, tortured-hero, undercover-special-covert-ops, challenge-2012, dangerous-or-bad-boy, favorites, redhead-heroine, my-4-star-romances

I'm actually liking this series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I've read a few of the Dark Hunter series and just wasn't that into them. I don't really consider myself a big fan of sci-fi but I have read a few that I really liked. I may have to get me a sci-fi romance library going. lol. Anyway, I was introduced to Syn in the previous book Born of Night and enjoyed his character. Sharara, the heroine, is a strong woman but seemed a bit wimpy at times. I liked her but there were a few things that bothered...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Melissa J. Katano rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I like this book better than the supposed first book of the series... at least in this one, there's a sense that space travel isn't just a matter of minutes.....

There....that's what I haven't really liked about these books....I like the characters (even if the guys are little too fixated on the whole "I'm not worthy" trope), and I like the plot, but I don't always like the genre. Now, I love science fiction, and I really like romance, and with some authors you get a good science fiction story wi...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi

Unlike the previous installment in this series, Born of Night, the 3 stars that I'm giving Born of Fire are unqualified. It's a solid read, with (mostly) believable and enjoyable characters, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Ms. Kenyon does a much better job of explaining the story universe this time around, though it's still one of the book's weak points. At least this time I wasn't left wondering why the heck everything was happening.

Syn is by far my fa...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Jilly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: the-league

Better than the first of the series but still had moments where it just seemed to drag. Unlike the first, it did seem like the characters were getting somewhere and that there was an ultimate goal in mind. Very much like Nykyrian, in the first book, Syn has had a very horrible and hard life and is very much cynical. Shahara has suffered a lot and it makes it hard for her to trust. Occasionally, I think that Kenyon's goal is to come up with the most awful pasts for her characters and see how she...more Better than the first of the series but still had moments where it just seemed to drag. Unlike the first, it did seem like the characters were getting somewhere and that there was an ultimate goal in mind. Very much like Nykyrian, in the first book, Syn has had a very horrible and hard life and is very much cynical. Shahara has suffered a lot and it makes it hard for her to trust. Occasionally, I think that Kenyon's goal is to come up with the most awful pasts for her characters and see how she can make them overcome it. Of course, nothing has ever been able to beat Acheron's or Zarek's pasts (Dark Hunter Series). Still both Nykyrian and Syn come really close to accomplishing that.

The world of the League seems to be more about defying the League that really being a part of it. Usually you think the name of there series has more to do with the characters than someone they just despise and is a major factor in their universe. The League is pretty much the Empire (Star Wars) or the Alliance (Firefly) only they are assassins that are highly train, for what is supposed to be the better of society, and often ends up being to it's determent.

Syn is our hero, a very reluctant one, but one nonetheless. He's a thief with a heart of gold. He's respectful and courteous and has more names that any character I've ever come across. He always seems to have an alias and it makes it much more interesting trying to figure out who he is. One of my favorite aspects of the story is the mystery of what C.I. stands for in C. I. Syn. I'm not sure we every really find out. We also learn just how horrible Syn's past was and all the horrible things he's had to endure. Of course, none of this can really taint our hero, not even his horrible parents or his backstabbing wife.

As for Shahara, she's got a big family but she's endure a horror that made her push everyone away. So while she deals with that admist running for her life with Syn, she discovers Syn is pretty much the only man she can deal with getting close to her. Shahara also has to deal with the fact that she's been sent there to capture Syn, even though she'd rather keep him for herself. Not to mention there is a twist!

Wow. Sherrilyn Kenyon, you've really thought this through. I would say this series is getting better as it goes (I'm half way through the third book) and it is a definite must for fans. Apparently, these books are nothing like they were way back when they were first published.
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Aug 30, 2011 LL rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr

This book could have had potential. It could do so much better than what it was, but it felt as though the author just failed to deliver.

Honestly, I thought the general storyline and plot was good. Syn (or Sheridan, which was his birth name) was the usual gorgeous, sexy, irresistible, tortured hero who deserved so much more and better in life than the shit that had been dealt to him. While I normally had a tender heart for tortured hero, Syn’s story felt a lot like Nykyrian’s in the previous boo...more This book could have had potential. It could do so much better than what it was, but it felt as though the author just failed to deliver.

Honestly, I thought the general storyline and plot was good. Syn (or Sheridan, which was his birth name) was the usual gorgeous, sexy, irresistible, tortured hero who deserved so much more and better in life than the shit that had been dealt to him. While I normally had a tender heart for tortured hero, Syn’s story felt a lot like Nykyrian’s in the previous book of this series. In the book about Nykyrian (Born of Night), where Syn was portrayed as his best friend, Syn appeared to be an interesting secondary character and I was actually looking forward to reading his story in this book. About 1/5 of the way into the book, I was repeated told that he had a terrible childhood and longed for some normality in life, blah blah blah... It just felt painfully repetitive after awhile.

Then of course there was the Shahara factor. Shahara was the female protagonist of the book. She was supposed to be a seax, who abided by a strict set of moral codes and had sworn to bring in all the criminals and filth loitering in the universe. I initially thought that she’d be a kickass heroine who’d be matched to Syn’s combative as well as cunning technical skills. Well, she really fell flat on that front for sure. She started off well, but then for some reason, she turned into this whiny being in Syn’s presence. Oh lord, I just couldn’t stand her!!! She was also inconsistent, in that sometimes she’d be this whiny and seemingly clueless person, but then suddenly she’d turn into a kickass character fighting multiple attackers at the same time and handing their attackers’ asses back to them. The characterization consistency and continuity was lacking in Shahara and I had a very difficult time trying to like her in any capacity.

The author also had this style of writing that annoyed me to no end. Both Shahara and Syn would have these spurts of monologues throughout the book. Sometimes the monologues or inner dialogues could carry on for a long time too. This was also the same problem I experienced with Nykyrian’s book. Furthermore, some of those lengthy conversations and monologues could be cut down, in my opinion, as I thought the book was way too long for the content delivered.

Finally, I thought it was odd that the author actually didn’t write anything about Shahara meeting Kiara (Nykyrian’s wife) at the hospital (this was the scene at the end of Born of Night, where Shahara was first introduced). That whole part was missing from this book. I would have thought that the author would attempt to link up the two books, but that didn’t happen at all so I was rather disappointed in that oversight.

I’d give this book 2 stars only.
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Aug 23, 2011 Novels On The Run rated it 4 of 5 stars

MICHELLE'S REVIEW:

RATING : 4.5 SINFUL SYN STARS!!!!

Syn is just the most gorgeous, mentally tough, smexi... I get a bit speechless really, trust me that’s a hard thing to achieve..ha! You just want to carry a little bit of Syn around in your front pocket.

Syn and Shahara are a great team in this book. They both have issues with their past that need overcoming, if you can overcome them. Some ..... not so much. Sherrilyn has such a great way with her writing. The men in her League series all have ha...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Georgina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hovering between two & a half and three, primarily out of loyalty to the author.

After thoroughly enjoying Born of Night, I was apprehensive as to whether the second book in the series would sweep me up as well, and with good reason as it turns out.

Firstly, I didn't feel the same kind of chemistry between Syn and Shahara as I did with Nykyrian and Kiara. This is rare for Kenyon as she's talented at developing the relationship between her characters, drawing in the reader so all we want is for...more

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Nov 30, 2010 ~Megan~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-heroes-ever, dangerous-dudes, pnr-uf

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I just finished the book and am still a little bit emotional. I can't tell you how many times I teared up over Syn's past and his present. I loved Nyk in the first book, but something about Syn's story just hits home a little more, I think. How these guys overcame their pasts to become these beautiful souls I'll never know.

The only downside of this book, to me, was Shahara. I just...can't forgive her. Maybe that sounds cold and unfeeling, but I can't help it. I hated her when she got him arreste...more

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Aug 12, 2010 Randi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-star-rated-books, loved-my-favorite-reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Great book! It gives you many lessons. Like not everyone has a perfect life no matter how rich you are. Or you can't always trust your friends or even your best friend.

Lets start with Shahara. Shes had a tough life ever since she was born. And now she has to take care or three siblings. They are barely making it because of her father, and both her sisters. Her father died with them so deep in debt that they have to starve sometimes. Kasen gets into way too much trouble. And Tessa had to settle...more

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Jan 17, 2010 Rachel rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: People who like bodice-ripper SF and don't much care about the quality of the writing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I hadn't read any Sherrilyn Kenyon before, but I see her name everywhere, usually with 3, 4, or 5 star reviews next to the book titles. I picked this one up in an airport when I was looking for some fun and not too weighty genre fiction. I chose it on the basis of the back cover, which made it sound like it would have both a strong female protagonist and an interesting male adversary/ally, and the opening, which seemed to set up a strong relationship between the protagonist and her sister. This...more

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Jan 08, 2010 Arlene rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: futuristic romance readers

Shelves: favorite-sci-fi-romance

I loved Syn from the first League book. I was excited reading his story because he's like Nykyrian. An asassin, has had a very difficult and traumatic childhood which had left them a cynic and cold but deep inside they're hiding these vulnerabilities that made them endearing.

This book, same as book 1 was republished. There was some inconsistencies like it should have been when Nykyrian was in the hospital after he was attacked by Kiara's father, Syn visited him with Shahara. But in book 2, Syn...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Orlagh rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In brief: Syn is the son of the infamous Indirian Wade, a most evil and hated man. As such, his life has been miserable and whenever his true identity is revealed, people judge him by his fathers actions, assuming the very worst about him. Since his divorce he has turned to drink and Robin Hood style deeds. Shahara is also no stranger to a hard life, having taken care of her siblings since she herself was a child. She accepts a contract to capture Syn and hand him over to the law.... but is he r...more

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May 24, 2010 ♥ ♥Lynn ♥ ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010, may-2010, sherrilyn-kenyon, space, paranormal-romance, books-i-own

Born of Fire...because Syn if flipping hot!! I loved this book. Name:Sheridan Digger Wade
NickName Sher, Sheridan Belask, C, C.I., Doc, Dr. Belask

We first met Syn in Born of Night. In this book, Syn has a bounty on his head which has every assissin gunning for him. Syn has lived a life that no one should have to bear. He is the son of the most hated man, because of that, at the age of 10 he is sent to jail because you know 'he will be like his dad when he grows up'.

Shahara Dagan has been her f...more

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Jan 15, 2010 Mar rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is my second time flying through Sherrilyn Kenyon’s awesomely created Ichidian Universe and my, she does not disappoint. Although Born of Night was amazing, I liked Born of Fire a lot better because of certain, I don’t know someone by the name of SYN? Mmmm SYN! I mean, can you find a better name than that? God, that man! The story is fabulous, it takes the reader through what it’s like to be on the run for both the hero and the heroine when wrongly accused of crimes and the ups and downs of...more

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May 25, 2012 Yodamom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, crack-a-smile, favorite-author, mystery, romance, urban-fantasy, want-to-do-it-again, reading-again

This is my second time reading this book. First time was good second time on audio was better- I'd love to find myself some Syn to indulge my fantasies. He's just such a macho, sensitive, heartbroken, smart ass, ripped, intelligent, handsome, damaged, scared, predator, self made, man of most women's dreams. He is incarcerated wrongly, physically abused, lied to, and cheated by almost everyone he has ever known, and yet he still gives and loves. His past is not caused by his doing but of his fath...more

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Apr 19, 2011 Kim~Fantasy~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ok this book was great! I loved the dynamics between Syn and Shahara, they reminded me of my on relationship, and by gods is he frickin sexy as hell! How could Kiara have ever thought Kyrian was hotter than Syn?? LOL he's definitly the hottest in the series so far...YUM YUM YUM!(would LOVE some SYN! In every way I can get it! LMAO) I do now have another interest in Nero, who can mind control me at any time! The characters were so real, and stubborn... it was hilarious some of the conversations,...more

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Feb 16, 2010 Kevin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was much better than Born of Night. Due mainly to the fact that the heroine was a 'kick ass' bounty hunter and not a constant victim. This story focused on C.I. Syn and Seax Shahara Dagan. While the timelines between Born of Night and Born of Fire overlapped they didn't sync up properly. I am OK with this as the author's notes explain that they were written out of order and syncing the timelines would have compromised the story. So no harm done in my mind.

Some of the same things from B...more This book was much better than Born of Night. Due mainly to the fact that the heroine was a 'kick ass' bounty hunter and not a constant victim. This story focused on C.I. Syn and Seax Shahara Dagan. While the timelines between Born of Night and Born of Fire overlapped they didn't sync up properly. I am OK with this as the author's notes explain that they were written out of order and syncing the timelines would have compromised the story. So no harm done in my mind.

Some of the same things from Born of Night that bothered me were still present in Born of Fire. The most prominent being the weak 'tech'. The other thing that really bothered me was the similarities between the male leads in the two books. While Sherrilyn Kenyon does a pretty decent job of evolving the characters within the story, the basic premise of Syn and Nykyrian was so similar as to make them basically the same character. While I understand that their similarities is what allowed them to become friends it felt like different versions of the same thing.

There were some scenes that had me laughing out loud. Specifically when Shahara and Syn are climbing and escape tunnel, Shahara exits first and Syn hears the sounds of fighting. He rushes out the tunnel and takes out the 2 thugs that assault him and turns to help Shahara, only to find 10 men down and her taking out 4 more. Rather than rushing to help her, he watches while thinking to himself, "Damn. That's so hot." Had me rolling. Another of my favorite scenes was when Syn steps out of the shadows and cold cocks a guard only to to nearly break his hand on the armor. As Syn cradles his injured appendage, the guard smiles and advances. Shahara then steps around Syn, Groin kicks the guard (doubling him over) percussion boxes his ears (dropping him) and then groin stomps him again for good measure. While funny the best part is Syn's response. He says to the groaning gaurd, "I'll bet the next time a guy hits you in front of a girl you'll fall down won't you?" I love the dry humor.

So, in conclusion, more of the same with a stronger heroine, same great dialogue and banter, hot sex, weak tech and less wishy washy back and forth love-hate.
I liked it.(less)

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Mar 04, 2011 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, fantasy-other-world, sci-fi, sensuous, action

Syn and Shahara's story... C.I. Syn (conceived in... certifiably insane... ), Nykyrian's friend and allay - he leaves Nykyrian when he believes that Nykyrian is making a mistake with Kiara... Syn has been betrayed and abandoned by everyone - his mother (who his family believed tried to drown him when he was a baby), his brutal, criminal father (who beat him, prostituted him, taught him to be a thief - of objects and of information), by his older sister who committed suicide, by his wife who left...more Syn and Shahara's story... C.I. Syn (conceived in... certifiably insane... ), Nykyrian's friend and allay - he leaves Nykyrian when he believes that Nykyrian is making a mistake with Kiara... Syn has been betrayed and abandoned by everyone - his mother (who his family believed tried to drown him when he was a baby), his brutal, criminal father (who beat him, prostituted him, taught him to be a thief - of objects and of information), by his older sister who committed suicide, by his wife who left him when she learned of his criminal father - even though he was a respected doctor, and by his son who believed his mother's lies... but he has made a life for himself - working with Nykryrian, selling his tech, operating a shipping business - all while drunk... his home is filled with beauty - he gives generously to many...His action belie his reputation and often his words...

Shahara is oldest of 4 children... and though loved by her parents, her father was very irresponsible, and they were poor and always one step ahead of creditors... her mother died and told her to take care of everyone, something she took seriously... 2 of her siblings are friends with Syn, though she does not know it, 1 of her siblings is chronically ill, and always needs money for medical bills... 1 of her siblings is a gambler, always in debt... Shahara was raped, and so she joined basically the police academy, and is now an enforcer/bounty hunter... she needs money for her sister's medical bills or she will be discharged from the hospital, so Shahara sees that there is a bounty on Syn, for the rape and murder of Kiara (yeah, well her father had overreacted)...

Shahara stealthily breaks into his home... and the fun begins... When Syn realizes she is his friends' sister (whom he'd never met) he tries to figure out how to get out of this without hurting her but with his freedom in tact... and Shahara starts a trek to learn about the real Syn - he leaves her locked in his home, and she explores (looking for weapons)... and finds his get away pack with those things important to him - picture of his sister and of his son... a letter from his son... She is constantly asking questions of Syn and of the people who know him, and for whatever reason, they give her honest answers, and she observes his behavior, and slowly her perception of him as convict and criminal changes to a true picture of the powerful, intelligent, rich, wary, sensitive man... and she falls in love.

Initially she screws up royally, because for her freedom she agrees not to trace him again... she doesn't, but because she is desperate for the money for her sister, she does turn him in... He is captured, taken to jail and beaten badly... the next day her bosses boss makes a deal with her - to free him from jail and find a disc that he hid when he was a child that has political implications...

so as they run (fly, hide, etc) from other tracers, they track down the disc - finally finding the statue he had hidden it in in his exwife's college office... along the way they spend time with his uncle, who still feels guilty he could not have done more for the children, the mother superior who tolerated his living in the catacombs as a child and loves him, Nero - a friend he freed from jail when he was 11, who has powerful psychic ability...

And though Syn is powerfully attracted to Shahara, he is resigned to keeping his distance - and when she shows interest in sex, he very gently initiates her - remembering how he felt when violated...

And ultimately, Syn again feels betrayed, when they have the disc and the bad guy and his goons come for him & it - and to save his life - she gives up the disc and pretends he doesn't matter to her... but she goes to the head judge - who ends up to be his mother - and gets him the trial he never had... and after he testifies in the political trial he is set free... Shahara reaches out to him after he knows he will be released, wanting to explain, arranging for him to run his business from his comfortable cell...but he ignores her... and it takes 6 months after he is released, after her sister & Nykrian give him the be a man talk, and how he's only hurting himself... he goes to her... and.. her pride keeps her a bit reserved, especially after he does not say he loves her - and he starts to leave, but can't face life without her,so he turns back, confesses his love... and you know...they live happily ever after ...

2 years later,though her rape and no medical care left her sterile, Syn's treatments heal her, and she is pregnant...(less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Kristin Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this 2nd story of the League Novels. I enjoyed Syn's character in Born of Night and loved that the characters from that novel played a part in Syn's story as well.

So, CI Syn (we do finally learn what the CI stands for!) is targeted by tracer Seax Shahara Dagan, who happens to be Caillen's adored oldest sister. The tension between them is palpable, and the sparks surely do fly. We learn about Syn (aka Sheridan Digger Wade and Sheridan Belask, MD)and his dark past, as well as how he met N...more

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About Sherrilyn Kenyon

Sherrilyn Kenyon lives a life of extraordinary danger... as does any woman with three sons, a husband, a menagerie of pets and a collection of swords that all of the above have a fixation on. But when not running interference (or dashing off to the emergency room), she's found chained to her computer where she likes to play with all her imaginary friends. With more than ten million copies of her b...more

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Books by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter, #4; Were-Hunter, #1)

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“No good deed goes unpunished- Syn” — 97 people liked it

“10 things to know about Syn 1. I hate people, even myself. 2. I only tolerate my friends and I can count those on one hand. 3. So what if I drink? I like my comfortably numb state and it keeps me from killing you. 4. Money can't buy happiness, but it's better than being poor and miserable. 5. We're all victims. 6. I like to choose my own poison. 7. I'm through reinventing myself. I'm on the third incarnation now and it sucks as much as the other two. 8. I have all the friends money can buy. 9. I only trust one man who doesn't return the gesture. 10. I can steal anything, anywhere, any time. Sober or drunk, I'm the best at what I do. ” — 95 people liked it

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Born of Fire (The League #2)

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